Relive Your Memories In Cross Stitch; Computer Program Converts Your Photos and Original Designs To Cross Stitch Patterns.

DAYTON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 15, 1999--

Photographs of your treasured memories children, grandchildren, weddings, pets and scenic vacations -- can be easily converted to cross stitch patterns with PCStitch, a computer program created especially for cross stitchers. PCStitch also allows you to create your own original cross stitch patterns.

All you need is a PC that uses Windows 95 or Windows 98, a scanner or digital camera, and PCStitch. "PCStitch frees users to cross stitch literally whatever they want to make. They are no longer forced to go through racks of pre-printed patterns hoping to find something they like. Now they can make their own, unique cross stitch designs," said Mark Miller, president of M&R Technologies. Miller, and his partner, Troy Riegle, introduced PCStitch 10 years ago. The most recent PCStitch, version 5, was recently released.

"We designed PCStitch to be as simple and easy-to-use as possible. With each new version, we added more features, but PCStitch is still one of the easiest craft programs on the market," said Miller.

At the computer, a cross stitcher creates an original design using PCStitch's built-in drawing program. Or an existing photograph can be downloaded into the computer using a digital camera or a TWAIN-compliant scanner. Once an image is downloaded into the computer, it can be cropped, reduced or enlarged, and its colors can be changed. After the user is satisfied with the image's appearance, PCStitch converts the image to a cross stitch pattern.

The cross stitcher specifies the size, in terms of stitches, up to a maximum of 999 x 999 stitches. The number of colors desired can also be specified, up to a maximum of 150 DMC floss colors. For an original design created by the cross stitcher, any stitch type can be used including: full, three-quarter, half, quarter, outline, French knots or custom stitches the user creates.

For a downloaded image, PCStitch always specified full stitches in the pattern.

PCStitch then converts the image into a cross stitch pattern. Each stitch is clearly marked by its DMC floss color. The pattern is then printed out, ready to use.

"If someone has a problem using PCStitch, we have a help number they can call for assistance," said Miller. "But we rarely get calls because the program is so easy to use."

A demonstration version of PCStitch can be downloaded from the company's web site at: http://www.pcstitch.com. The complete software package is sold at most major stores that sell computer software and at some of the large hobby and craft stores.

M&R Technologies, founded in 1989, is one of the leading developers of software for craft and hobby applications. M&R Technologies, P.O Box 9403, Dayton, OH 45409; or 1934 Southtown Blvd, Suite C, Dayton, OH 45439. Phone [phone]; Fax [phone]; web site http://www.pcstitch.com.